CLEVELAND-On Aug. 16, Texarkana Post 58 became the first team from the state of Arkansas to win The American Legion World Series (ALWS). And on Tuesday the team, which broke its state's 90-year ALWS championship drought, made a trip to Cleveland to watch a historic Major League Baseball World Series that featured two teams trying to end their own lengthy title droughts.
"It was an awesome time," said Texarkana second baseman Nick Myers. "To see guys who were once in my position make it to the biggest stage in baseball shows that if you have the right mindset you can make it anywhere in life."
The American Legion's commitment to the military was on display during the trip as well. One highlight for the team was a tour of the USS Cod, a World War II submarine that is a national historic landmark and has been converted into a museum. The team also visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which features a special exhibit on musicians who served in the military.
At the ballpark, a statue of Legion Baseball alum and Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Feller was prominently displayed. Feller was the first professional athlete to enlist after the attacks on Pearl Harbor and went on to be a proud Legionnaire. During Game 1 of the MLB World Series, the colors were presented by all five active duty branches of the military.
"It has been a tremendous experience being able to play Legion Baseball," Myers said. "It has taught me to appreciate the little things in life that not everyone gets to do. I have learned to appreciate those who are fighting for us oversees, and even more for allowing us the opportunity to do things like play baseball."